Two men were charged and one was released pending further investigation after allegations of an odd case of a stolen vehicle and then returning to the scene to assault the owner with his own vehicle.
Hawai‘i Island police report they arrested three Captain Cook men with numerous criminal offenses in connection with a reported hit and run incident in the parking lot of a business establishment in the 75-5800 block of Ali‘i Drive shortly after 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 25, 2021.
According to the report, three men, later identified as 32-year-old Donoven Pogtis, 19-year-old Landon Pogtis, and 20-year-old Todd Cabanlet, physically assaulted three victims, took the car the victims were in, and then returned to the scene and struck one of the victim’s with his own vehicle before striking another vehicle and a building. The victims were later identified as two 19-year-old males and a 29-year-old male.
The 29-year-old male victim was transported by Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel to Kona Community Hospital, where he was treated for his injuries and later released. Neither of the 19-year-old victims was seriously injured.
Just after 3:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 25, Donoven Pogtis, Landon Pogtis, and Todd Cabanlet turned themselves into police.
Today, Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that Donoven Pogtis was charged with attempted murder for a July 25th vehicular incident at the Coconut Grove Marketplace. Bail was set at $63,000.00.
As the Complaint alleges, Pogtis was charged with ten (10) offenses including Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Assault in the First Degree, Assault in the Second Degree, Assault in the Third Degree, Terroristic Threatening in the First Degree, Unauthorized Entry Into Motor Vehicle in the First Degree, Unauthorized Control of Propelled Vehicle in the First Degree, Reckless Driving, Accidents Involving Damage to Vehicle or Property, and Duty Upon Striking Unattended Vehicle or Other Property.
Pogtis made his initial appearance today in Kona District Court before Judge Joseph Florendo, who denied Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Ka’uanoe Jackson’s request to increase Pogtis’ bail. Judge Florendo also denied the defense counsel’s request for a bail reduction. Pogtis was ordered to appear for his preliminary hearing on July 29th at 1:30 pm in Kona District Court.
The investigation was handled by Hawai‘i Police Department, Area II Criminal Investigation Section. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys Ka’uanoe Jackson and Chase Murray.
Another Captain Cook man, 20-year-old Todd Cabanlet was also charged in relation to the incident with Terroristic Threatening in the Second Degree and two counts of Assault in the Third Degree and bail set at $1,500.00. He was released after posting bail.
Landon Pogtis was released pending further investigation.
The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant(s) are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Police ask anyone with information about this case to contact Detective Anson Caceres, via email at anson.caceres@hawaiicounty.gov, or at (808) 326-4646 ex. 225 or call the police department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311.
The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney remains dedicated to the pursuit of justice with integrity and commitment. Anyone having information to assist local law enforcement should call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 in East Hawai‘i or (808) 329-8181 in West Hawai‘i.
